Boston Bruins are retiring Patrice Bergeron's No. 37 next season

BOSTON (AP) — The Boston Bruins said Thursday they are retiring Patrice Bergeron’s No. 37 as part of a ceremony next season.

The date will be shared later, following the NHL schedule release that is expected next month.

Bergeron is set to join fellow 2011 Stanley Cup champion Zdeno Chara with his number in the rafters. Bergeron, when it happens, will be the 14th player to have his number retired by the storied franchise.

He spent his entire 19-year career in the league with the Bruins, playing 1,464 games counting the regular season and playoffs. That included the title run in 2011 and more trips to the final in ’13 and '19.

“Patrice was the kind of rare, generational talent that every team wanted,” owner Jeremy Jacobs said in a statement. “He was a deftly skilled playmaker and the undeniable greatest defensive forward in the NHL’s history. But it was the leadership he provided on the ice and in the locker room that made him truly stand apart and an all-time legend of the Boston Bruins.”

Bergeron succeeded Chara as captain in 2020 and served three seasons in that role before retiring. He called this an honor that is difficult to put into words.

“When I arrived in Boston as an 18-year-old, I could never have imagined receiving this recognition one day," Bergeron said. “I have always believed that any success I had was only possible because of the people around me. I was fortunate to play alongside incredible teammates, learn from outstanding coaches and staff and be supported by an organization that believed in me from the very beginning.”

___

AP NHL: https://apnews.com/NHL

GUARDIANS AT BREWERS, Drohan vs. Messick, discussion

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 04: Stuart Fairchild #17 of the Cleveland Guardians looks on before a game against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on June 04, 2026 in New York City. The Yankees defeated the Guardians 2-1. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Here’s the Guardians’ lineup:

Here’s the Brewers’ lineup:

Let’s go, Guardians!

Cloudy with a chance of baseball: Martín Pérez set to start Giants series finale

When it rains, it pours. Applicable to the meteorologic phenomenon plaguing Cobb County, this also goes for Cobb County’s Braves, who had two series losses going into the second week of June. They’ve now lost three straight series with last week’s a ghastly road trip and yesterday’s double-header sweep by the San Francisco Giants yesterday. Woof.

The aforementioned rain will all but certainly cancel tonight’s game, where the Braves would be trying to salvage the series. But not hearing anything from the official channels, let’s pretend we’re on for 7:15 pm ET tonight. 

(Hopefully not) taking the mound in a monsoon for Atlanta will be Martín Pérez (5-3, 2.90 ERA), who’s been Elder-esque in how much he’s been getting away with it. He’s earned the wins in his last three starts and going 5, 5.1, and 5 innings in each. He’s given up three or fewer runs in each of his last four starts as well. 

The opposing pitcher would be Landen Roupp (5-7, 4.24 ERA). In fourteen games started, he’s only gone six innings or more in five of them. He’d be looking to rebound from his last performance, where the Cubs tagged him for four earned runs in 4.2 innings. 

It’s a shame this one won’t be played, because known right fielder Matt Olson is batting .500 with three RBI in eight at-bats against Roupp. Austin Riley (fresh off his second three-hit night, yay) is 2-for-5 with a double. 

Luis Arraez has a homer off Pérez, but the Giants who have seen him the most are Willy Adames (5-for-19) and Matt Chapman (8-for-25). 

What time do they announce this one’s banged, do you think? Taking guesses below.

Game Info

Game Date/Time: Thursday, June 18, 7:15 p.m. ET

Location: Truist Park, Atlanta, GA

TV: BravesVision

Streaming: MLB.tv

Radio: 680 AM / 93.7 FM The Fan

Looking back on notable first half rookie Rockie performances

DENVER, CO - JUNE 10: TJ Rumfield #7 of the Colorado Rockies celebrates after hitting a go-ahead two-run home run in the eighth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Coors Field on June 10, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) | Getty Images

TJ Rumfield has been a pleasant revelation for the Colorado Rockies in 2026. After a strenuous mixed-bag of players to hold down first base for the last decade, the Rockies may have finally found some stability for the near future, thanks to Rumfield’s excellent play and composure.

During the recent series against the Chicago Cubs, Rumfield hit his 10th home run of the season, joining a small circle of notable rookie Rockies performances before the All-Star break. He became just the second player in franchise history to hit 10 home runs before the All-Star break in his debut season, and just the fourth to have 10 home runs and at least 50 hits. Who were those other players, you ask? Well, let’s take a look back on those three notable rookie performances.

Todd Helton (1998)

Was there any doubt that “The ToddFather” would be on this list?

After an impressive 35-game debut in 1997, Todd Helton continued to shine during his first full season in the big leagues. In the first half of the season, Helton appeared in 82 of 89 games for the Rockies, starting 63 of them. In 302 plate appearances, he slashed .273/.342/.483 with 74 hits, including 16 doubles, a triple and 13 home runs. He also drove in 45 runs while striking out just 32 times and drawing 27 walks.

Oddly enough, Helton didn’t hit his first home run that year until May 5. He ended up with seven home runs that month — four in June, and two more in July before the All-Star break.

Of course, Helton continued to get better after the break with a tremendous second half where he hit 12 more home runs in 70 games and slashed .359/.420/.579 with just 22 strikeouts and 26 walks. He ended up placing second in the National League Rookie of the Year voting behind the Cubs’ Kerry Wood.

Wilin Rosario (2012)

When he debuted for 16 games at the end of the 2011 season, one thing was obvious about Wilin Rosario: He could wallop a baseball. The “Baby Bull” took over as the primary catcher for the Rockies in 2012, as they hoped the rookie’s prodigious power potential could offset the defense that was obviously a work in progress behind the plate.

He appeared in 58 first-half games for the Rockies, starting 49 of them. In 201 plate appearances, he hit .247/.279/.521 with 47 hits. Rosario’s extra-base prowess was evident as he had 10 doubles and 14 home runs while collecting 36 RBI. His strikeout tendencies were also on display as he had 53 strikeouts to just eight walks.

Playing time was scattered in the first month of the season as Rosario appeared in just 10 games as veteran catcher Ramón Hernández took the bulk of starts. Rosario began to take on the bulk of the action in May and rewarded the Rockies with six home runs that month and another six in June before hitting a pair in July, leading into the All-Star break.

Rosario had a much better second half as he matched his first half home run total of 14, but also had a .291 AVG while drawing 17 walks against 46 strikeouts. He finished fourth in the NL Rookie of the Year voting, behind Bryce Harper (1st), Wade Miley (2nd) and Todd Frazier (3rd).

Trevor Story (2016)

The first half of Trevor Story’s rookie season is the stuff of legend in Rockies history. Storming onto the scene by securing the Opening Day roster spot helped ease the pain of losing Troy Tulowitzki the year before. Showcasing speed, power, and defense prowess, Story seemed to defy even the highest of expectations from the get-go.

He made his presence known by belting seven home runs over his first six games. By the end of April, he had already reached the milestone of 10 home runs, setting the mark as the first Rockie to have 10 or more home runs before the All-Star break in their debut season. The home runs slowed down a little bit after that, but he added four in May, five in June, and two in July heading into the All-Star break. Through 81 games, Story was slashing .260/.329/.545 with 21 home runs alongside 20 doubles and four triples for a grand total of 83 hits.

Unfortunately, Story’s season was cut short in the second half after a left thumb injury. He had added six more home runs through 16 games with a .340 AVG and 1.115 OPS. Had he stayed healthy, he may have been able to at least place higher than fourth place in the Rookie of the Year voting instead of Corey Seager’s unanimous win.

Just missed the mark

This list is already impressive, but it’s surprising that more Rockies didn’t make the cut. Turns out, the 10 home runs proved more difficult and kept several notable rookies out of the club.

Matt Holliday and Troy Tulowitzki both narrowly missed out on joining the club as each had just nine home runs before the All-Star break in 2004 and 2007, respectively. Holliday also had 71 hits, while Tulowitzki had 90.

Nolan Arenado managed 10 home runs in 2013, with seven of them coming in the first half. He collected at least 66 hits in the first half, including 16 doubles. Garrett Atkins also had seven home runs during his first full rookie campaign in 2005, heading into the All-Star break along with 71 hits.

Since it’s worth mentioning, all four of these players ended up finishing in the top five in Rookie of the Year voting.

How far can Rumfield go?

It’s not likely that Rumfield will smack 11 more home runs to match Story’s record, but with a couple more weeks before the All-Star break, he can at least come close to matching or surpassing Helton and Rosario. Either way, Rumfield’s rookie year has been a joy to watch and sets a solid standard for what a well-rounded rookie hitter can do for a team.


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Game 76: Twins at Rangers

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JUNE 06: Joe Ryan #41 of the Minnesota Twins pitches during the game between the Kansas City Royals and the Minnesota Twins at Target Field on Saturday, June 6, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Matt Krohn/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

FIRST PITCH: 135p Central
THE TUBE: Twins.TV, presented by Progressive
THE WAVES (ENGLISH): WCCO 830 AM, KMNB 102.9 FM, Cory & Danny Baseball Network, Audacy Application
LAS ONDAS (ESPAÑOL): LosTwins.com
KNOW THE FOE:Lone Star Ball

After a scheduled off-day mid-series due to SAH-KER, the Minnesota Twins and Texas Rangers will tangle once more in Texas – where Bob Wills is still the king – with the Twins looking for the series sweep. Minnesota has swept a series twice this campaign: once early in April at home against the Detroit Tigers and another time at Fenway Park against the Boston Red Sox. Matt didn’t get to utilize his talent of writing lyrics yesterday, so I seriously considered doing that with Bob Wills songs, but I couldn’t do it justice. I hope the thought counts.

Texas will trot out Jack Leiter for his fifteenth start this year. It’s been a bumpy road for the right-hander this season, sporting a 4.86 ERA/4.53 FIP in 76 innings of work. His last two outings – one each against the Red Sox and the Cleveland Spiders – resulted in a combined 11 runs (nine earned) in 9.2 innings of work, including 13 hits, five walks, only five strikeouts, and three homers. He’ll be looking to get in the win column again. Hits and homers per nine innings are up compared to last year for Captain Jack. He will not take you home tonight.

Minnesota will counter with Joe Ryan. He may take you home tonight. I don’t know. But I do know he’s been pretty awesome this year for the Twins. The Twins have won five of his last seven games he’s started, and the two losses were by only one run in low-scoring affairs. The keys to the game are 1) for Ryan to go as deep as he can so the bullpen can’t screw it up later in the game and 2) for the offense that showed up on Tuesday night to be in attendance and do the same thing today.

Victor Caratini resumes catching duties after being considered “day-to-day” with neck stiffness this week.

Grab your saltine crackers and shake a leg, spread out wide, grab your partner, GO TWIMS GO.

TWINSRANGERS
Trevor Larnach – LFJoc Pederson – DH
Byron Buxton – CFJosh Jung – 3B
Kody Clemens – RFWyatt Langford – LF
Royce Lewis – 1BBrandon Nimmo – RF
Josh Bell – DHEzequiel Duran – SS
Brooks Lee – 3BJosh Smith – 2B
Victor Caratini – CJake Burger – 1B
Tristan Gray – SSAlejandro Osuna – CF
Luke Keaschall – 2BKyle Higashioka – C
Joe Ryan – RHPJack Leiter – RHP

Cardinals series preview: A rebuild ahead of schedule

ST LOUIS, MISSOURI - APRIL 14: JJ Wetherholt #26 (R) celebrates with Iván Herrera #48 of the St. Louis Cardinals after hitting a solo home run against the Cleveland Guardians in the third inning at Busch Stadium on April 14, 2026 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Joe Puetz/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Royals were supposed to have a contending team this year, while the Cardinals were rebuilding. But those roles have reversed, with the Royals limping along at the bottom of the standings, looking ahead to next year, while the Cardinals are ahead of schedule with an exciting young team that is winning games. St. Louis has been on a roll lately, winning 9 of their last 13 games.

St. Louis Cardinals (40-32) vs. Kansas City Royals (30-45) at Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, MO

Cardinals: 4.53 runs scored/game (14th in MLB), 4.38 runs allowed/game (15th)

Royals: 4.01 runs scored/game (26th), 4.69 runs allowed/game (19th)

Jordan Walker is enjoying a breakout season – only nine hitters have hit more home runs than his 18, and only Nick Kurtz has driven in more runs than his 56 RBI. Iván Herrera has the seventh-best on-base percentage in baseball at .398. He’s a .306/.453/.468 hitter in road games. Nathan Church is hitting .321/.387/.393 in nine games since returning from the Injured List.

Alec Burleson hits just .186/.220/.244 against lefties. Former Royals outfielder Nelson Velázquez was called up after hitting .232/.344/.420 with seven home runs in 40 games at Triple-A. The Cardinals demoted former first-round pick Nolan Gorman this year after he was hitting .194 through 62 games. Shortstop Masyn Winn became the youngest player in club history to win a Gold Glove last year, and rookie second baseman JJ Wetherholt is third in all of baseball in Outs Above Average at +13.

This series will feature a weird off-day on Saturday due to the World Cup. Parking will be more of a challenge this series so plan ahead. Thursday’s game will simulcast free on over-the-air KCTV 5 in Kansas City, while Friday’s game airs exclusively on Apple TV’s Friday Night Baseball.

Matthew Liberatore has a reverse split, with lefties hitting .319/.342/.623 against him. He has allowed four or more runs in 7 of his 14 starts. Opponents are hitting just .167 against his curveball with a 38 percent whiff rate.

Michael McGreevy has a Quality Start in each of his last three outings. He has the fourth-lowest strikeout rate among qualified starters. Seth Lugo is expected to return this series after missing his last start due to a line drive to the head.

Dustin May pitched a one-hit shutout against the Padres in his last start, taking a perfect game into the seventh inning. He struggled in his first two starts after joining the Cardinals as a free agent, but has a 2.54 ERA over his last 12 starts. Opponents are hitting just .211 against his 96.9 mph fastball.

The Cardinals bullpen has a 4.23 ERA, filled mostly with anonymous relievers. Riley O’Brien is having a breakout season at age 31, and is tied for third in baseball with 18 saves. Kansas City native Ryne Stanek has the 15th-highest strikeout rate among relievers. Lefty JoJo Romero has allowed the fifth-highest hard-hit rate among relievers.

The Cardinals have bounced back not through big free agent signing or splashy trades, but by identifying good talent and getting the best out of them, and cutting bait on players that weren’t performing. They have also built a top-five farm system by trading away veteran players, positioning themselves well for the future. With the Royals playing for next year, there are probably a lot of lessons they can learn from their neighbors across the state on how to rebuild quickly and field a winning team.

Jalen Brunson takes a dig at doubters at Knicks parade: 'Proved them wrong'

NEW YORK — These days, Jalen Brunson doesn’t have time for haters. Especially not today.

New York City feted the Knicks Thursday, June 18 in a ticker-tape parade to commemorate the team’s first NBA championship in 53 years. The team rolled up to the Canyon of Heroes in Downtown Manhattan, culminating with a ceremony at City Hall.

While there, Brunson, the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player, clapped back at critics with a feisty message.

“There are a lot of people who have a lot of opinions, but when you prove them wrong, you don’t have to say (expletive) to them,” Brunson told the crowd, which erupted in cheers immediately afterward. “Nah, they don’t deserve it. Appreciate y’all, thank you.”

Earlier in his career, Brunson had at times faced criticism, in particular for his 6-foot-2 size. The context being that shorter players like Brunson would have a hard time carrying a contender.

Brunson, with his scoring outbursts and clutch play in fourth quarters, quieted those narratives in emphatic fashion.

This follows comments Brunson made Saturday, June 13, after the Knicks topped the San Antonio Spurs in the decisive Game 5 of the Finals.

“I didn't respond to them then and I'm damn sure not going to respond to them now,” Brunson said then of his critics.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jalen Brunson digs at critics, thanks fans at New York Knicks parade

Spike Lee revels in Knicks championship parade after 53-year wait

Spike Lee has had plenty of courtside moments with the Knicks.

This one was different.

The legendary filmmaker and longtime Knicks superfan was in full celebration mode during Thursday’s championship parade through Lower Manhattan, soaking in the franchise’s first NBA title in 53 years from a float alongside the Brunson family.

Spike Lee attends a championship ticker-tape parade celebrating the team’s NBA Finals victory in New York on June 18, 2026. AFP via Getty Images
Spike Lee rides on Jalen Brunson’s float at the 2026 NBA Champion New York Knicks ticker-tape parade. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

Lee, who has been a fixture at Madison Square Garden for decades, was seen reveling in the moment as the Knicks celebrated the end of one of the longest championship waits in New York sports.

“I’ve never been to a parade ever,” Lee told MSG while being interviewed on the float. “I’m glad it’s this one!”

Lee also thanked the Brunson family for inviting him onto their float and said he felt blessed to be part of the celebration.

Lee, who has been a fixture at Madison Square Garden for decades, was seen reveling in the moment as the Knicks celebrated the end of one of the longest championship waits in New York sports. Robert Miller for NY Post

Then he gave the moment a very Spike ending.

After the interview, Lee kissed the interviewer on the cheek before breaking into a dance, pointing his arms up and down as the parade rolled on.

It was a fitting scene for one of the most recognizable Knicks fans in the world.

Lee has been part of the team’s public identity for generations, sitting courtside through playoff runs, painful collapses, rebuilds and years when The Garden had far more frustration than celebration.

That made Thursday’s parade feel like more than just another celebrity appearance.

For Lee, it was the payoff for decades of loyalty.


Follow The Post’s live updates from the Knicks Championship parade for the latest city chaos, celeb sightings and sports reaction.


It has also been quite a year for the filmmaker’s sporting life.

Lee, a known Arsenal fan, also saw the Gunners win the Premier League this season, ending their own long wait for a league title.

For Lee, Thursday’s parade was the payoff for decades of loyalty. Erik Pendzich/Shutterstock
Lee has been part of the team’s public identity for generations, sitting courtside through playoff runs, painful collapses, rebuilds and years when The Garden had far more frustration than celebration. Stephen Yang for NY Post

But Thursday belonged to the Knicks.

As fans packed the streets in blue and orange, Lee was right in the middle of it — smiling, dancing and enjoying a parade that had been more than five decades in the making.

After all those nights courtside at the Garden, Spike finally got his Knicks championship moment.

And he made sure to enjoy every second of it.

Where to watch Chicago White Sox vs. New York Yankees: Live stream, start time, TV channel, odds for Thursday, June 18

The Chicago White Sox, ranked first in the AL Central with a 38-34 record, face the New York Yankees, who are first in the AL East with a 45-27 record. The New York Yankees are favored with a -170 moneyline compared to the Chicago White Sox's +140. Starting pitchers are Sean Burke for Chicago, with a 4.15 ERA, and Ryan Weathers for New York, with a 4.36 ERA.

  • Date: Thursday, June 18

  • Time: 7:05 p.m. ET / 4:05 p.m. PT

  • Where: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY

  • TV Channels: YES, Chicago Sports Network

  • Live Stream:ESPN+, MLB.TV | Follow on Yahoo Sports

  • Chicago White Sox: 38-34 (first in AL Central)

  • New York Yankees: 45-27 (first in AL East)

  • Spread: New York Yankees -1.5

  • Moneyline: New York Yankees -170 / Chicago White Sox +140

  • Over/Under: 9.5

Chicago White Sox: Sean Burke (3-4, ERA: 4.15, K: 73, WHIP: 1.26)

New York Yankees: Ryan Weathers (2-5, ERA: 4.36, K: 81, WHIP: 1.17)

Series: Game 3 of 3 (series tied)

Weather: 87°F at first pitch

Panthers' Sergei Bobrovsky Reportedly Seeking A Max Term-Deal, Asking For As High As $42 Million

If the latest reports are true, Sergei Bobrovsky’s time in Florida could be coming to an end. 

According to the latest report by Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos, Bobrovsky is seeking a six or seven-year contract with an asking price as high as $42 million.

The contract Bobrovsky is seeking has an AAV of $6-$7 million, depending on the term. 

While the money may be steep for a netminder coming off a poor season, the real boggling part of this report is the term Bobrovsky is demanding.

To begin, Bobrovsky is 37 years old and will be 38 when the 2026-27 season begins. In many cases, goaltenders’ careers don’t even last that long, let alone have the ability to play at the standard Bobrovsky showed.

Prior to the difficult 2025-26 season, Bobrovsky guided the Panthers to back-to-back Stanley Cup wins and another finals appearance, posting a .915 save percentage, .906 SP, and .914 SP. 

If Bobrovsky signed a seven-year contract, he would be under contract until his mid-40s. Only five goalies have ever played until 45, and the most recent goaltender to play beyond 40 years old is Marc-André Fleury, who was a backup netminder who played just 26 games.

Report: Panthers Attempted To Deal Sergei Bobrovsky To Hurricanes At 2026 NHL Trade DeadlineReport: Panthers Attempted To Deal Sergei Bobrovsky To Hurricanes At 2026 NHL Trade DeadlineAccording to a report from Pierre LeBrun, the Florida Panthers and Carolina Hurricanes engaged in trade discussions involving Sergei Bobrovsky at the 2026 NHL trade deadline, but ultimately no deal was agreed to.

Other examples are Martin Brodeur, Craig Anderson, Roberto Luongo, Tim Thomas, Jonathan Quick, and Mike Smith. Luongo was the only netminder to play more than 40 games in his final season.

Signing Bobrovsky to a contract with that term comes with plenty of risk. He likely wouldn’t play out the full contract, as in many cases, older players who sign long-term deals end up on the long-term injury reserve before they retire. 

Still, Bobrovsky would have to be paid out, whether his contract is attached to the salary cap or not.

In all, Bobrovsky is a Panthers legend, but the NHL is a business, and GM Bill Zito can’t afford to overpay for an aging goaltender because of the fan base’s feelings towards him. 


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Viral 'Knicks in 4' superfan is looking for work. He may be a poet

NEW YORK − MD Ahnaf Hossain is, like countless other 23-year-old recent college graduates, looking for a job. Preferably in finance, the Queens resident told USA TODAY in a recent FaceTime call from a park in lower Manhattan, before the New York Knicks Thursday, June 17, championship parade. He donned a Knicks cap, glasses slightly lowered, and a Portugal jersey, for the World Cup.

What sets Hossain’s resume apart is he went viral across social media for the now immortal four-line poem that began, “My mayor's Muslim / My bagel’s Jewish.” He was, of course, referring to Zohran Mamdani, New York’s first Muslim mayor, plus the imprint Jewish New Yorkers have left on the city’s gorgeous mosaic. “My Christian Dior / Knicks in four!” he ended the poem, screaming into cameras.

The Knicks eventually won their first NBA championship since 1973, in five games. Hossain adjusted his lines with the extra game ("The Pope's on our side / Knicks in five"). As Nas, another Queens poet said, it was written.

In his city, Hossain has become equivalent to Homer, the ancient Greek poet credited with the epic, “The Odyssey.

“At this point, I might actually become one,” Hossain said of a career as a poet, pointing to lines he said came to him impromptu on a warm night in the city.

MD Ahnaf Hossain, a 23-year-old from Queens, has received viral acclaim for his poem honoring his New York Knicks. He said he's honoring the greatest city in the world, made possible by all the different cultures that call it home.

Hossain's poem was as much a celebration of the Knicks as it was a love letter to New York City, his home since his family moved from Bangladesh when he was a year old. He first began rooting for the Knicks during Brooklyn native Carmelo Anthony's era, when Hossain was a kid.

“I grew up in Jamaica, Queens, and there's so many different cultures in there,“ he said. “I'm sure you might be able to find someone from every country in the world.”

While he thought he wasn’t the first person to feel this way, he said, “I just saw that mic that night, and I just had to say what was in my heart.”

In retrospect, he easily recalls the diversity of the winning team. Jose Alvarado, a Brooklyn native, is Puerto Rican. Jordan Clarkson is half-Filipino. Karl-Anthony Towns is half-Dominican. The Knicks' captain Jalen Brunson, Hossain recounted, “good-old American.”

Basketball - NBA - New York Knicks Parade - New York City, New York, U.S. - June 18, 2026 New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani celebrates during the parade REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz

“It's a mix of all these different cultures from around the world,“ he said. “That’s exactly what New York is, and what makes it the best city in the world.”

The day before the city's parade, Hossain said he'd be at the parade but was still figuring out his role. On Thursday morning, he posted on Instagram for Good Morning America, ABC's eminent national program. Hossain was near the steps of New York City Hall, before the Knicks received the keys to the city.

Eduardo Cuevas is based in New York City. Reach him by email at emcuevas1@usatoday.com or on Signal at emcuevas.01.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How this NY Knicks superfan came up with viral 'Knicks in 4' chant

Winnipeg Jets’ 2026 NHL Draft Selection Order Officially Set

The Winnipeg Jets will make seven selections at the 2026 NHL Draft, beginning with the eighth-overall pick.

The Jets officially know where they will be picking when the 2026 NHL Draft gets underway.

Photo by Bill Stretcher/USA Today
Photo by Bill Stretcher/USA Today

The NHL announced the complete order of selection for the upcoming draft, with Winnipeg currently holding seven picks across six rounds.

The Jets’ first selection will come early, as general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff and his scouting staff own the eighth-overall pick. It marks the organization’s highest draft position since selecting Patrik Laine second overall at the 2016 NHL Draft.

Winnipeg is currently without a second-round pick, as its original selection at No. 39 overall belongs to the Pittsburgh Penguins. The pick was moved as part of the March 2025 trade that brought veteran defenceman Luke Schenn to the Jets.

The Jets will return to the draft floor in the third round with the No. 71 overall selection.

Winnipeg is also without its original fourth-round pick, as the No. 103 overall selection now belongs to the Montreal Canadiens following a series of transactions involving the New Jersey Devils.

The Jets do, however, own a fourth-round selection at No. 116 overall, originally belonging to the Edmonton Oilers, before moving through Boston and Buffalo.

Winnipeg also holds an additional seventh-round selection, picking at No. 220 overall with a choice originally belonging to the Buffalo Sabres.

The Jets’ complete list of 2026 NHL Draft selections:

Round 1: No. 8 overall

Round 3: No. 71 overall

Round 4: No. 116 overall (from Edmonton via Boston and Buffalo)

Round 5: No. 135 overall

Round 6: No. 167 overall

Round 7: No. 199 overall

Round 7: No. 220 overall (from Buffalo)

After making five selections at the 2025 NHL Draft, Winnipeg will enter this year’s event with two additional picks and an opportunity to continue building its prospect pipeline.

The Jets have relied heavily on the draft throughout Cheveldayoff’s tenure, with much of the organization’s core being built internally. Players such as Mark Scheifele, Josh Morrissey, Kyle Connor, Cole Perfetti and Connor Hellebuyck were all selected by Winnipeg and developed within the organization.

The first round of the 2026 NHL Draft will take place Friday, June 26, with Rounds 2-7 following Saturday, June 27.

Game 74 Game Day Thread – Minnesota Twins @ Texas Rangers

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JUNE 16: Brandon Nimmo #24 of the Texas Rangers singles against the Minnesota Twins during the fourth inning at Globe Life Field on June 16, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Minnesota Twins @ Texas Rangers

Thursday, June 18, 2026, 1:35 PM CDT (105.3 The Fan / Rangers Sports Network)

The Shed

RHP Joe Ryan vs. RHP Jack Leiter

Today’s Lineups

TWINSRANGERS
Trevor Larnach – LFJoc Pederson – DH
Byron Buxton – CFJosh Jung – 3B
Kody Clemens – RFWyatt Langford – LF
Royce Lewis – 1BBrandon Nimmo – RF
Josh Bell – DHEzequiel Duran – SS
Brooks Lee – 3BJosh Smith – 2B
Victor Caratini – CJake Burger – 1B
Tristan Gray – SSAlejandro Osuna – CF
Luke Keaschall – 2BKyle Higashioka – C
Joe Ryan – RHPJack Leiter – RHP

Go Rangers!

Maple Leafs Full Order Of Selection For The 2026 NHL Draft Officially Revealed

While it’s been known for a while that the Toronto Maple Leafs are selecting first in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, the league officially revealed its order of selection.

The Leafs, as of this writing, will have eight picks in the 2026 NHL Draft ranging from No. 1 to No. 169.

In addition to picking first overall, the Leafs will next pick in the second round (60th overall). That’s the pick they received from the Los Angeles Kings in the trade that sent forward Scott Laughton out west. The pick originally belonged to the Buffalo Sabres.

After that, the Leafs will have two picks in the third round. They have their own pick (69th) and the Philadelphia Flyers pick (85th) that was acquired this week in the trade that sent goaltender Joseph Woll and defenseman Simon Benoit to Philly.

In the fourth round, the Leafs will select 114th. This pick was acquired from the Seattle Kraken in the Bobby McMann trade in the last deadline. The pick originally belonged to the Anaheim Ducks. 

In the fifth round, the Leafs have two picks. They have their own (133rd overall) and the 158th overall pick they acquired the Colorado Avalanche trade they made in the deadline deal that sent Nicolas Roy back to the Western Conference. 

In the sixth round, the Leafs will pick 169th overall using San Jose’s pick in the deal that sent Timothy Lilljegren to the Sharks back in 2024.

Toronto doesn’t have any picks in the seventh round.

Round 1

1. Toronto

2. San Jose

3. Vancouver

4. Chicago

5. NY Rangers

6. Calgary

7. Seattle

8. Winnipeg

9. Florida

10. Nashville

11. St. Louis

12. New Jersey

13. NY Islanders

14. Columbus

15. St. Louis (from DET)

16. Washington

17. Los Angeles

18. Washington (from ANA)

19. Utah

20. Buffalo (from EDM via SJS)

21. Philadelphia

22. Pittsburgh

23. Boston

24. Vancouver (from MIN)

25. Seattle (from TBL)

26. NY Rangers (from DAL via CAR)

27. San Jose (from BUF)

28. Montreal

29. St. Louis (from COL via NYI)

30. Calgary (from VGK)

31. Carolina

32. Ottawa

 

Round 2

33. Vancouver

34. Chicago

35. Calgary (from NYR via UTA)

36. Calgary

37. Chicago (from TOR)

38. Seattle

39. Pittsburgh (from WPG)

40. Florida

41. Vancouver (from SJS)

42. Nashville

43. Columbus (from STL via PIT)

44. New Jersey

45. Chicago (from NYI)

46. Los Angeles (from CBJ via MTL)

47. Detroit

48. Florida (from WSH)

49. Los Angeles

50. Anaheim

51. Calgary (from UTA)

52. Edmonton

53. Philadelphia

54. Pittsburgh

55. Calgary (from OTT via UTA)

56. Boston

57. Nashville (from MIN)

58. Tampa Bay

59. Dallas

60. Toronto (from BUF via OTT and LAK)

61. Montreal

62. San Jose (from COL)

63. Forfeited pick

64. NY Rangers (from CAR)

 

Pick 63 - On May 15, 2026, the NHL announced the Vegas Golden Knights will forfeit a 2nd-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft for flagrant violations of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs Media Regulations.

 

Round 3

65. Calgary (from VAN)

66. Chicago

67. NY Rangers

68. Calgary

69. Toronto

70. Nashville (from SEA via DAL)

71. Winnipeg

72. Ottawa (from FLA)

73. St. Louis (from SJS via PIT and DET)

74. Colorado (from NSH)

75. St. Louis

76. St. Louis (from NJD via NYI)

77. NY Rangers (from NYI)

78. Vancouver (from CBJ)

79. Detroit

80. Los Angeles (from WSH via OTT)

81. NY Rangers (from LAK)

82. Anaheim

83. Utah

84. Edmonton

85. Toronto (from PHI)

86. Pittsburgh

87. Ottawa

88. Boston

89. Minnesota

90. Tampa Bay

91. Ottawa (from DAL via CAR and LAK)

92. NY Rangers (from BUF)

93. Montreal

94. Columbus (from COL via MIN)

95. Vegas

96. Utah (from CAR)

 

Round 4

97. Vancouver

98. Florida (from CHI)

99. Seattle (from NYR via CBJ)

100. Calgary

101. Columbus (from TOR via MIN)

102. Seattle

103. Montreal (from WPG via NJD)

104. Boston (from FLA via SJS)

105. Carolina (from SJS)

106. Nashville

107. St. Louis

108. New Jersey

109. NY Islanders

110. Ottawa (from CBJ via DET)

111. Boston (from DET via ANA)

112. Washington

113. Los Angeles

114. Toronto (from ANA via SEA)

115. Utah

116. Winnipeg (from EDM via BOS and BUF)

117. Anaheim (from PHI)

118. Nashville (from PIT)

119. Chicago (from OTT)

120. San Jose (from BOS)

121. Minnesota

122. Boston (from TBL)

123. St. Louis (from DAL via NJD)

124. Buffalo

125. Montreal

126. Colorado

127. San Jose (from VGK via WSH)

128. Colorado (from CAR)

 

Round 5

129. Vancouver

130. Utah (from CHI)

131. NY Rangers

132. Calgary

133. Toronto

134. Tampa Bay (from SEA)

135. Winnipeg

136. Florida

137. Minnesota (from SJS)

138. Nashville

139. St. Louis

140. New Jersey

141. NY Islanders

142. Columbus

143. Detroit

144. Washington

145. Los Angeles

146. Anaheim

147. Utah

148. Nashville (from EDM)

149. Colorado (from PHI)

150. St. Louis (from PIT)

151. Ottawa

152. Colorado (from BOS)

153. Minnesota

154. Tampa Bay

155. Dallas

156. Buffalo

157. Boston (from MTL via SJS)

158. Toronto (from COL)

159. Vegas

160. Nashville (from CAR)

 

Round 6

161. Vancouver

162. NY Rangers (from CHI via BUF)

163. NY Rangers

164. Calgary

165. Carolina (from TOR)

166. Seattle

167. Winnipeg

168. Florida

169. Toronto (from SJS)

170. Pittsburgh (from NSH)

171. St. Louis

172. New Jersey

173. NY Islanders

174. San Jose (from CBJ via PHI)

175. Detroit

176. Vancouver (from WSH)

177. Los Angeles

178. Anaheim

179. Nashville (from UTA)

180. Edmonton

181. Philadelphia

182. Columbus (from PIT)

183. Ottawa

184. Vancouver (from BOS via MIN)

185. Minnesota

186. Tampa Bay

187. Dallas

188. Buffalo

189. Montreal

190. Los Angeles (from COL via OTT)

191. Vegas

192. Carolina

 

Round 7

193. NY Rangers (from VAN)

194. Chicago

195. Colorado (from NYR via NSH)

196. Detroit (from CGY)

197. Dallas (from TOR)

198. Seattle

199. Winnipeg

200. Chicago (from FLA)

201. San Jose

202. Nashville

203. St. Louis

204. Seattle (from NJD)

205. NY Islanders

206. Columbus

207. Detroit

208. Washington

209. Los Angeles

210. Anaheim

211. Utah

212. Edmonton

213. Philadelphia

214. Colorado (from PIT)

215. Colorado (from OTT)

216. Boston

217. Florida (from MIN)

218. Tampa Bay

219. Dallas

220. Winnipeg (from BUF)

221. Montreal

222. Colorado

223. Vegas

224. Montreal (from CAR)

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Zohran Mamdani: Knicks 'won like New York' as NYC celebrates title after 53 years

Editor's note: Follow for live updates and highlights from the Knicks championship parade.

NEW YORK — New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani gave a rousing speech before handing the New York Knicks players keys to the city after a ticker-tape parade through the Canyon of Heroes.

The Knicks broke a 53-year championship drought with a five-game romp in the NBA Finals over the San Antonio Spurs, and more than a million people gathered in lower Manhattan to celebrate the triumph.

During Mamdani's speech, he gave a rundown of the Knicks' history from the moment in 1973 when the team won its second championship.

The mayor thanked the players and coaches who came before them, naming Tom Thibodeau, who was fired last season after leading New York to the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in 25 years.

"This championship belongs to them too, because championships aren't just built in one season," he said.

Mamdami spoke about the odds the Knicks faced, especially when they were down by 29 points in the second half in Game 4 and came back to win on OG Ananoby's tip-in with 1.2 seconds left.

"The Knicks did not just win for New York City," he said. "They won like New York City. What is New York if not your back up against the wall, a dream that feels just out of reach, a rent payment you don't know how you'll ever make, 99.6% of the world stacked against you. And who are New Yorkers if not people who hear those odds and smile and ask, 'Why are you giving me a head start?'

"This is our city. This is our team. For 53 years, we watched; for 53 years, we waited. Now we've won," Mamdani said. "Knicks in!? Knicks in?!"

With the crowd yelling back, "FIVE!"

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Zohran Mamdani hails Knicks, NYC at championship parade